450 SEL 6.9 Stick Shift? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

autobahnfahrer · #1 05-31-2003, 08:33 PM

Does anyone know if Mercedes ever made a 6.9 with a manual gearbox? I have seen a Euro version 4.5 with a manual, but never the 6.9. Does such a beast exhist?

FL_116 · #2 06-01-2003, 06:12 PM

I doubt they made a manual 6.9, for sure none were sent here to the States.

yhliem · #3 06-02-2003, 03:34 PM

Not from the factory. if there IS one out there it would have been a custom job

A. Rosich · #4 06-02-2003, 07:45 PM

For sure never (at least factory made).

Mercedes-Benz claimed that no manual transmission at the time could handle the power from its V-8 engines.

Actually I am doubtful you saw a 450SE/L with a manual. As I said, all V-8s S-classes were factory fitted with auto trans.

Only the 280S/E/L (W116-126 chassis) and the S280 (W140-220) were/are fitted with manual transmissions as standard from the factory.

#5 06-02-2003, 08:49 PM

The only V8 (postwar) Mercedes offered with a manual transmission were the 3.5 liter m116 engines. The 450 never had this option.

FL_116 · #6 06-12-2003, 01:45 PM

Here's an interior shot of a 116 with a manual tranny.

A. Rosich · #7 06-12-2003, 03:15 PM

The above picture definitely has to be a 280S, 280SE or 280SEL.

Also, we have to remember that on the W116s and W123s you could also order the manual OR auto transmission stick controller either column mounted or center console mounted.

alabbasi · #8 06-10-2005, 02:17 PM

There are 350SE's that came with a 4 speed manual.

diametricalbenz · #9 06-10-2005, 05:37 PM

I doubt the 350SE trans would handle the torque from the 6.9. Maybe if the clutch was beefed up?

If I had limitless funds, a twin turbo 6.9 with a precise 6 speed manual would probably be my ideal staff car.

alabbasi · #10 06-10-2005, 05:46 PM

There is a Gentleman called Phil O'Brien who owns a 6.9 with a turbo. I agree that there the manual transmision would not work with the 6.9. But there is a w116 manual which means that the pedals exist and the center console. Maybe a GM 6 speed from a corvette or a 6 speed from a mustang cobra can be adapted.

boneheaddoctor · #11 06-10-2005, 06:49 PM

There were Sticks availible in the 280se too...so there was stick shifts around in the W116 body....they are just pretty rare...But I love the Idea of a 6.9 stick....I bet its a lot of fun to drive....except when its time for the frequent gas stops.

diametricalbenz · #12 06-10-2005, 07:30 PM

hmm, 25 gallons @ 2.69/gal at 5mpg going 141mph

= 53 minutes of fun at a rate of $1.27 per minute

There was a euro 6.9 turbo on ebay a few years ago for 6 grand. I didn't see who won but it's out there somewhere ripping up the pavement. I will try to post some pictures that I saved from the post of the custom plumbing which in itself looked cool.

I'd really like to see how well the 3 speed transmission would hold up and would love to see dyno results. It would be a like a vintage car with Bentley torque.